KUCHING: Young Sarawakians are increasingly turning to preloved fashion, driven by affordability, interest in streetwear and local brands, as well as opportunities to earn extra income.
For 22-year-old Muhd Danial, his interest in business and fashion inspired him to venture into selling preloved clothing, particularly luxury and branded items.
He said he was inspired by preloved sellers in Peninsular Malaysia and wanted to make branded fashion more accessible by offering items at prices lower than retail.
“I first started selling in 2022. So far, I have noticed that young people are becoming more interested in preloved items,” he said.
According to Danial, streetwear and local brands are among the most sought-after items, with brands such as Carhartt and Supreme, as well as local labels including OPT and SVG, attracting buyers.
He said his prices start from as low as RM10, while the most expensive items are priced below RM1,000.
“When I participate in events such as car boot sales, which usually run for about three days, I can earn around RM3,000 a week,” he said.
Danial also noted a shift in how people perceive second-hand clothing, saying more consumers were beginning to recognise the quality and value of preloved items.
“In the past, people often thought preloved items were simply clothes that others had thrown away. They did not realise that second-hand clothing can be another ‘diamond’ for someone else,” he said.
He said his interest in preloved fashion was also influenced by his own experience growing up, when he could not afford some of the clothes he wanted.
“When I was in secondary school, I did not have enough money to buy these kinds of items, so I never had the chance to experience them. Now that I have my own income, I can afford to buy the things I want,” he said.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old Erydhany said he entered the preloved market after finding that his wardrobe was already full.
He began selling some of his clothes in 2025, with local brands and jerseys becoming his main focus.
“The main attraction for me is local brands and jerseys. I have noticed that more young people, especially those aged between 15 and 20, are becoming interested in thrifting,” he said.
Erydhany said demand for local brands and jerseys had been growing as more young people developed an interest in second-hand fashion.
He said his earnings generally ranged between RM1,000 and RM2,000, depending on the event and sales.
For jerseys, he said prices varied according to authenticity, with 1:1 jersey selling for below RM100, while authentic jerseys could cost around RM200.
Erydhany also attributed the growing interest in preloved fashion to the popularity of car boot sales, which he said provided young people with opportunities to discover sellers and explore the second-hand market.
“These events help people discover where to go on weekends, and from there, they also become aware of preloved items,” he said.
